Best Solar Backpacks : Buying Guide & Expert Advice

Best Solar Backpacks 2018

What should you look for?

An ideal solar backpack should have a battery pack. This is your fast charging unit. The solar backpack will have solar panels which can be used to charge your devices.

However, charging directly from the panels is slow as the power output from the solar backpack’s solar panels generates less power.

Your Solar Backpack’s solar panels are very efficient at keeping your Battery Pack  charged and topped up at all times, but they are not ideal for directly charging your mobile appliances.

So for the quick recharge – head for the battery pack inside your Solar Backpack.  Read on for more, or check out the top 10 Solar Backpacks here.

Battery Pack Size

A 10,000mAh (or 10 W) battery pack is hefty enough to charge your iPad a couple of times and it wont be too heavy. It should be able to charge your smartphone 5 or 6 times easily.

If you solar backpack does not include a battery backpack, its a good investment to make. Also make sure it is a dual port charger.

Solar Panel Size

A 7W solar panel is good enough to charge the battery pack in about 10 hours of sunlight.  Since the battery pack does not get fully discharged, the solar panel is more than able to to top it up every day.

Higher wattage panels will charge the battery pack faster but size and price considerations may out weight those benefits.

Don’t give up on a higher power panel if you can comfortably fit it on your back.   Panel  technology is getting better each year and the size and weight of panels are on a slow downward spiral.

Panel Orientation

On a regular sunny day the solar panels on the backpack will get enough sun to charge your battery pack easily.  This is a blessing and keeps you ready to charge up when you end your ride or walk.

If your plan is to rest and enjoy the outdoor scenery, just make sure your backpack solar panels face the sun. If you can, tilt the panels to about a 45-degree angle to the sun’s rays as that increases the amount of energy available to the panel for conversion into electricity.

Keep a microfiber cloth handy if you can. Its ok to use a rag too, but microfiber will pick up the dirt and dust better and this will prevent the solar panels on your backpack from pitting and thus degrading over time.

And last but not the least, make sure the kit is water proof or water resistant at the least. Fortunately, most solar panels are rugged and weather resistant.

Its the backpack which needs to be water resistant for your electronic devices and your battery pack. Some extra protection from dirt and shock is also good to have. So now that you have everything you need to know you can head straight to the best solar backpacks.

Convert an existing Backpack

Already have a really nice backpack and you just want to add  solar charging capability without having to buy a new backpack?  Sure, its easy to get external panels and attach them to your backpack. Make sure the panels have  clamps to attach to the  backpacks.

In fact these panels can also be hung on tents, trees or other surfaces making it easy to charge your battery while you walk, ride or relax. This is a good way to get going unless you are looking for a completely new backpack. Check out these options for solar panels for your backpack.

Solar Backpack Reviews

Zuoao 

The Zuoao Solar Charger Backpack boast of a TCS bearing system that reduces the inertial momentum of the backpack: or in lay terms, the backpack shakes cause less wear and tear on your shoulders while you trudge on that long distance hike.

The backpack uses thick sponge and EVA foam material, to slow the bearing pressure and impact on your back and shoulders and is supported by a frame made from strong Tisco manganese steel .

The cover straps are made of  fabric that is cool and comfortable to the touch. The material is breathable and this ensures there is maximum air circulation for greater comfort.

The backpack fabric is waterproof for a short duration to give you enough time to avoid rainwater penetration. The fiber is called Ripstop Nylon Fabric. The USB charging port is powerful enough for   a GPS tablet, or a smartphone, or an iPod. The 5V USB port has protective voltage sability control to prevent unstable or damaging currents.

The backpack is perfect for iPhone, Samsung & other smart phones, External Battery Packs, GPS systems, MP3 Players, Bluetooth Speakers,Power Back and any other 5V electronic devices. The 7 Watt solar panel powers the included 10000 mAh Battery Pack.

You have a  2L hydration bladder.  This is amongst the largest solar backpacks available with an internal volume of 45 liters. The combination of a powerful solar panel, high capacity battery pack, hydration pack and TCS bearing system for comfort make this a formidable solar backpack.

Solar Charger Internal Frame Backpack Hiking Camping Backpacks with 2L Hydration Bladder, Removable 7W Sunpower Solar Panel, 10000mAh Battery Charger for Cell Phone,Tablet,GPS,Camera Charging 1 Reviews TCS BEARING SYSTEM: For Long-Distance Trudge, Can Reduce Inertia Momentum of Backpack Shaking, It Use Thick Sponge and EVA Foam Material, Slowing the Bear Pressure and Impact COOL & COMFORTABLE: 3D Breathable Fabric Cover Straps, Thus Ensuring Maximum Air Circulation and Comfortable WATERPROOF: It make by Ripstop Nylon Fabric, A Short Time to Avoid Rainwater Infiltration Whether you are bringing along a tablet for GPS, a phone for photography, or an iPod for some motivating music,with the 5V USB port and the protective voltage sability control which prevents unstable or damaging currents,the solar charger travel backpack keeps you STAY CONNECTED.It is perfect for iPhone, Samsung & other smart phones, External Battery Packs, GPS systems, MP3 Players, Bluetooth Speakers,Power Back and any other 5V eletronic devices PACKING LIST: External Frame Pack*1pc, 7Watts solar panel*1pc, 10000 mAh Battery Pack*1pc, 2L Bladder Bag*1pc, Charger cable*1pc, Manual*1pc(10000 mAh power back included) View Latest Price Last update on 2019-11-17 at 09:53
4.72 x 12.99 x 17.72 inches	3.3 lb	10,000 mAH Li Polymer battery pack	5V USB port
7 W solar panel	45 Litres volume	Fast Charging High Efficiency Panel

HOWO

The Howo outdoor commuter solar backpack has very stylish design that sets it apart from other solar backpacks. Its inbuilt solar panel is high efficiency boasting of 22% solar conversion and is rated at 6.5 Watts making it a reasonably power proposition.  However, it does not come with a battery bank. The LEVIN battery pack reviewed after this unit would be the ideal companion to this solar backpack.

Its rigid frame and light weight make it a good choice for the casual outdoor solar backpack. You could use it to charge your smartphone or gps unit, however you will not be able to charge a tablet as the power output from its standard USB port will take too long to charge the tablet.

This Howo solar backpack is sporty and is a good accessory when at the beach or in the playground. Its great to carry with you if you are lightly loaded and plan to stay outdoor for a full day and not worry about keeping your phone charged and ready..The unit is  rain resistant and not water proof. It will be a good choice if you are looking for a small sized solar backpack that is not too expensive. It will disappoint you if you don’t buy a standard backpack along with this unit as  solar panel charging is rather slow and having a portable charger like the Levin 6000 AH battery pack will make it perfect.

Ravpower 22000mAh Solar Backpack Battery Pack 

This is the cheapest entry in our list of best solar backpacks at around $42 at the time of writing this review. As you can see it is not a backpack, but a solar backpack battery pack that you can carry with your regular solar backpack.

It looks and weights about as much as a smart phone.  Its best to charge the unit prior to your trip and keep this unit as your primary charger.

With its newer improved 22000 mAh battery pack its good to charge a smartphone 10 times and your ipad mini 3 times. Its awesome because of its small size and really easy to pop your main solar backpack.

It can even act as an emergency backup to carry with you when you go on a swim or a short jaunt where you don’t want to carry the main solar backpack.

This unit is great for bringing to sports or to the beach and just leaving it on the ground while you enjoy the outdoors and get some free charging for your battery pack. Keep in mind that this is rain resistant and not water proof. A light rain is fine, but if you drop this in the ocean, you will need to dry it out immediately.

RAVPower Portable Charger 22000mAh External Battery Pack 22000 Power Banks 5.8A Output 3-Port (iSmart 2.0 USB Ports,) for iPhone 11/11 Pro/11 Pro Max/ 8/ X/XS, Samsung Galaxy and More

7,038 Reviews

• Choose the RAVPower Treatment: Join millions of users worldwide that rely on our leading technology for their daily charging needs
• Triple-Device Charging: 3 iSmart USBs automatically adjust the output up to 5.8A; Note: Power bank does not support Qualcomm Quick Charge
• Colossal Battery: 22000mAh capacity charges an iPhone X for 4.9 times, a Galaxy S8 4.4 times, or an iPad mini 4 2.6 times; fully recharge in just 10-11 hours with a 2.4A charger
• Safer for Longer: Secure high-density Li-Polymer battery retains up to 70-80% of its full capacity even after 500 charge-discharge cycles
• What You Get: Lifetime Warranty Card, RAVPower Ace Series 22000mAh Portable Charger, 2 x Micro USB Charging Cables, Carry Pouch, User Guide

$33.99

View Latest Price Last update on 2019-11-17 at 07:07

 ECEEN (7W) with Hydration Pack

The ECEEN backpack and hydration pack is very similar to the SunLabz product, but it has substantial volume to carry supplies for your next camping trip and thus makes it to our list of best solar backpacks. This unit too is from made from sport quality weather proof PVC fabric and this guarantees top performance and reliability. The backpack weighs just 2.65 pounds.  The 10,000 mAh battery pack has a 5V USB output which can power devices with upto 2Amps of current. This means you will be able to charge most smartphones and even tablets easily.

The high efficiency solar panels and the 10,000 mAH battery pack will be good for your mobile life; powering a phone, camera and tablet very easily. The backpack has a roomy main compartment, with enough space to store other accessories like laptop/notebook, iPad, books, gadgets, keys etc. and is ideal for hiking, traveling and other outdoor activities.  The Hydration pack is a big bonus and can store upto 1.8 litres.

 ECEEN 10 watt

If you are looking for a solar powered picnic bag, then this is a good choice. With 10W SunPower panels you have the most solar panel in amongst the best solar backpacks featured here. So with its 10,000 mAh power pack this is the most powerful solar backpack.

This bag can carry its quota of books and your  laptop very easily. You could take it for hiking and biking as well. It is a multi purpose solar backpack. Good to take to college or that picnic or on an office trip or even for a week off the grid.  A roomy interior is complemented by an external side pocket for a water bottle.
The shoulder straps are comfortable for normal loads, but tend to cause discomfort if you load up the backpack with excess weight.

 ECEEN Hiking Daypack

This is the most noteworthy solar fueled backpack on Amazon, in our list of best solar backpacks, and it is not difficult to see why. It has a Removable External Frame Backpacking Pack , contrast that with other models at a comparative cost, this has the ideal list of capabilities for a trip involving a light climb, as a travel daypack or for light biking.

It has a 2L hydration pack and the material has passed the United States FDA food detection test and you can drink from it without having to put the solar backpack down.

It can be folded up to occupy little to no room in your primary rucksack, bag or folder case. You could likewise utilize it on your meal break or while driving to work.

This pack is built with tear and water resistant material making this backpack very light but highly durable.  The wear and tear prone areas are reinforced to increase the lifespan of this rucksack significantly.

The included solar charger is removable and foldable. You have the flexibility to take it with you or leave it at home depending on your need. Its power output of 7W is more than adequate. However, this unit is meant to be used for a couple of hours and then packed away for use later. The unit uses  high-efficiency solar cells which are lightweight and a third the size of standard cells.  You sacrifice a tiny bit on the power to get the lightest most convenient solar backpack on the market. The solar cells are in a scratch resistant PVC coated packaging. They are good to go for most outdoor situations.

The included 10000 mAh battery pack is fairly well powered. It is enough to get that single important charge for your mobile device. Light and convenient is the motto of this back pack.

Sale

ECEEN Solar Hiking Backpack with Solar Charger Panel & Battery Pack

7 Reviews

• Removable External Frame Backpacking Pack: classic and proven design is coupled with modern adjustability and comfort features. Adjustable suspension conforms to a range of torso lengths; tightly stretched mesh back panel, padded shoulder straps and dual density foam hip belt offer ventilated comfort. 3D breathable fabric cover straps, thus ensuring maximum air circulation and comfortable.
• High Efficiency Removable 7W Solar Phone Panel Charger: it captures more light at the panel surface，SUNPOWER 2 pieces Monocrystalline solar cells for the highest efficiency, which can absorb solar energy, up to 22% efficiency, provides 1.5A output (MAX), high conversion solar charging technology, keeps your device powered up with free solar power.
• High Capacity 10000mAH Battery Pack with Double USB: the solar charger cannot store energy, and the charging current are different from charging devices and different light intensity. But the sunshine usually is not unstable. So here is a power bank for you. The battery can store energy. The solar charge for battery pack firstly, and then the battery pack will keep stable charging current for your phone or other devices later. Never worry about your phone power off.
• Humane Accessories: 2L hydration pack, the material has passed the United States FDA food detection and the European Union LFGB food safety detection. When you want to drink water, do not need to put backpack down, put drinking straw out and you can drink water; Backpack overcoat, it is in the mini zipper bag at the bottom of backpack, protect backpack against rain and dust.
• What You Get: Hiking Backpack External Frame Pack*1pc, 7Watts Solar Panel*1pc, 10KmAh Battery Pack*1pc, 2L Bladder bag*1pc, Charger cable*1pc, Manual*2pcs, 12-Month Warranty and ECEEN Friendly Customer Satisfaction Service.

$109.99

View Latest Price Last update on 2019-11-17 at 09:40

Solar Backpack : Renogy

Renogy Solar Panel Powered Backpack Water Resistant Laptop Bag 20L Capacity 5.6W with USB Charging Port Catonic Dyed Polyster for Business Travelling Hiking iPhone Samsung iPad 15.6 Inch Notebook

7 Reviews

• Ideal for holding backpacking supplies, as well as hiking, biking, or camping, the light, portable pack can hold and charge all your small mobile essentials using solar energy with the attached solar panel. Ensure you will never be left with a dead battery in an emergency.
• The 5.6 watt integrated solar panel with a 5V USB port can charge a smartphone in about 2.5 hours under full sun conditions. (this item does not include “power bank”)
• Main pocket for internal compartment to fit tablet, laptop (up to 16") and outer for passport, wallet, snack, books. Front main pocket with organization panel for phone, charging cable, keys, pens. Dual-zippers design makes this backpack more convenient.
• Solar-on-plastic technology makes the unit extremely light and flexible, adding virtually no weight to the backpack.
• The integrated solar panel is water resistant and designed for the harshest conditions. Can withstand shocks, drops and minor punctures. Prevent damage to your devices while traveling by tucking them in one of the perfectly sized and secure compartments of the durable backpack.

$89.99

View Latest Price Last update on 2019-11-17 at 07:07

 Lifepack

Lifepack Solar Powered and Anti-Theft Backpack with laptop storage

42 Reviews

• ANTI THEFT DESIGN: This bag has anti-theft features: Integrated and retractable cable lock - that means you can lock the bag to something while locking it shut. It also has secret passport pockets, hidden pockets for credit cards.
• SOLARBANK + USB PORT DESIGN: With a built in USB port in the side pocket and included Solarbank S3 - it means there’s always easy access to charge your phone. The Solarbank S3 stores 6 charges for an iPhone.
• WORKZONE + LIFEZONE LAYOUT: The dual zipper system with two main pockets means you can keep your socks out of your paperwork. The Lifezone in the front has space for a couple of t-shirts, sunglasses, keys, and other personal items - the workzone has space for your laptop, headphones, laptop charger, other cables, and a couple of textbooks.
• COMFORTABLE SHOULDER STRAP DESIGN: Padded and adjustable shoulder straps with a U-Shaped upper area spreads the weight evenly allowing for a light-weight carry experience. EVA padding material will protect your back and your laptop, allows for ventilation to your back, and it’s super comfy.
• 12.4 inches X 19.5 inches X 6.9 inches . Capacity : 19 Liters

View Latest Price Last update on 2019-11-17 at 07:07

Solar Backpack : Birksun

Birksun Solar Backpack (Mythos Black)

19 Reviews

• GO SOLAR – Your solar adventure awaits! This comfortable, practical computer backpack comes with a state-of-the-art solar panel and a built-in battery that charges any USB device. Keep your laptops, cell phones, and tablets at full battery with the power of the sun, and enjoy the freedom of a truly portable, truly eco-friendly charger.
• WATERPROOF SOLAR PANEL – Going outside means sometimes facing the elements. Our lightweight solar backpacks are designed to be waterproof and scratch-resistant, and can also be washed easily. The exterior fabric goes through heavy testing as well to ensure a strong, durable exterior shell so you never have to worry about our travel backpack being anything less than perfect.
• BUILT-IN BATTERY – This solar charging bag comes with a built-in lithium-ion battery that outputs power at 2.4 amps (just like a wall charger), and at 3000 mAH it charges all phones as fast as the wall. 2 minutes in the sun equals 1% battery power, which means 2 hours in the great outdoors is all you need for a full charge no matter where the day takes you! And in case of an overcast day, the battery can also be recharged by plugging into a wall.
• PREMIUM FABRIC AND STITCHING – This is a fantastic solar panel USB backpack, but it is still a backpack, and it needs to fit and feel and work like one. This black backpack’s interior is lined with high-quality fabric that hugs your electronics and other belongings, plus leather handles and enhanced cross-stitching provide the perfect blend of artistry and durability. With BirkSun, you can feel good, look good, and stay charged.
• TSA APPROVED – We’re ahead of the curve, and not everyone knows about the benefits of our solar laptop bag. Luckily, every BirkSun solar panel backpack is TSA-approved for domestic and international flights, so if air travel beckons, you can answer the call and stay charged for the whole trip.

View Latest Price Last update on 2019-11-17 at 07:07

 Powerkeep

PowerKeep Energizer Wanderer, 30L Solar Backpack w/ 10000mAh Battery, Rugged and Flexible Solar Panel, powerbank, Hydration Ready (Green)

5 Reviews

• LONG LASTING POWER! Includes 30L rugged backpack, 10000mAh ENERGIZER powerbank with two USB output ports, LED power indicator, 3W solar panel, micro-USB cable.
• BATTERY CAPACITY: 37 Wh, 10000mAh, dual 5V/2A USB output ports; SOLAR POWER: 3W regulated. Charge phones, speakers, wireless headphones, camera, or any USB device! Our rugged, flexible, and removable solar panel is unlike conventional solar panels and is made in the USA. And it’s lightweight too!
• START CHARGED, STAY CHARGED: Charge the powerbank from AC or USB charging port before you leave home; use our solar panel to recharge powerbank when on-the-go. Charge two devices at once from powerbank.
• EMERGENCY POWER: Don’t get caught with a dead phone! Use the battery pack to keep your smartphone charged when the power is out or you are away from an outlet. Charge most smartphones 3-4 times from powerbank. Charge two devices at once from powerbank.
• PERFECT for hunting, hiking, school, air travel, and more. Plenty of ZIPPERED COMPARTMENTS and interior pockets for maps, licenses or other documents, water bottle sleeves and places for other outdoor gear. Side pockets to carry water bottles. Stow the powerbank and cable in the convenient pocket on the back of solar panel or inside the backpack. Hydration ready.

$59.98

View Latest Price Last update on 2019-11-17 at 09:40

Solar Backpack : AllPowers

No products found.

 Voltaic

Voltaic Systems - Converter 5 Watt Solar Panel Backpack with Backup Battery Pack - Matte Black | Powers Phones, USB Devices, More | Charge Your Device as Fast as at Home

20 Reviews

• RAPID CHARGING | 5W SunPower Black Solar Panel. Charges your phone as fast as it charges at home using industry leading SunPower high-efficiency cells. Approximately 3 hours in direct sunlight charges most smartphones completely
• BACKUP BATTERY INCLUDED | (4,000mAh) Featuring a small and lightweight removable high-capacity battery pack which stores solar power so it is available whenever you need it. Charge your device rain or shine. Up to 1.5x smartphone charges from the included V15 battery
• ULTRA LIGHT, COMPACT DESIGN | 20L of storage. Fully padded, dedicated laptop/tablet sleeve fits 15" laptops and up to 10” tablets. Main storage compartment plus 2 interior pockets, laptop sleeve and front and side pocket for charging small electronics on-the-go. High density padding in the shoulder straps and back for extra comfort and breathability
• TOUGH IN THE SUN - HIGH QUALITY, TESTED MATERIALS | Solar panel uses ETFE coating instead of PET to withstand abuse and last outside at least 3x longer than competitors’ products (5+ years). Designed with recycled PET (water bottles) fabric
• COMPATIBILITY | Designed to power thousands of devices that charge from USB (including various handheld devices and smartphones) and DSLR camera batteries (with USB charging cradle). Including Apple iPhone, Android, Samsung Galaxy, Blackberry, Apple iPads and Samsung Tablets, iPods, Sony, Nikon, Canon, and GoPro digital cameras

$129.00

View Latest Price Last update on 2019-11-17 at 09:53

 Fanspack

Laptop Backpack, Fanspack Solar Powered Backpack with USB Charging Port Waterproof Oxford Travel Backpack School Daypack for 15.6 inch Laptop and Notebook (Black)

13 Reviews

• High Efficiency Solar Panel: 5.3Watts solar panel can be removed from the backpack to use alone. The solar panel absorbs solar energy, high efficiency up to 24% transfer rate, converts into electrical energy to charge your cellphone or other small gadgets.
• How to Use: Please note the panel can not store power directly, if you want to store the power, you can use it to charge your power bank. Make sure the solar panel is under strong sunlight when charging your devices. If the panel can not work, please check the usb interface is plugged into the solar panel exactly. Remember remove the usb plug after work.
• Large Capacity: L*W*H: 30*19*47cm(11.81*7.48*18.50 inches). Large enough to accommodate up to 15.6 inch laptop, mobile phone, wallet, books, magazine, clothes or other personal items. The back zipper pocket can place mobile phones, wallet and other valuables, anti-theft and convenient.
• Comfortable Carrying: Padded adjustable shoulder straps are made to ease the pressure on your shoulders while carrying. Breathable mesh of the back can dissipate heat so that you would not feel too hot while using it in baking summer.
• High Quality Solar Backpack: Made of high quality oxford cloth, lightweight and waterproof. Perfect for business, school, college, hiking, travel, camping, day-trip and other outdoors activities. A great merry christmas gift for mens.

$68.99

View Latest Price Last update on 2019-11-17 at 05:53

EnerPlex Packr Commuter

This solar backpack, the third in our list of best solar backpacks is designed for the working commuter. It is not meant to be taken on your hiking or biking trip. The unit does not have a battery pack included.

So if you are a work commuter traveling by  bus, train, tram or just walking this unit is for you.  A padded interior sleeve with a charging pass through for your laptop is very nice. Its got a bunch of interior compartments and two external pockets for water bottles. You have plenty of room for your books, supplies and cards.

The shoulder straps are sturdy enough, but lack the adjustable options suitable for for hiking or biking all day. So if your daily commute gives you a fair bit of sun and you are not too far from a  power outlet, this backpack will be great for you.

Ivation (7W) with 10,000 mAh Power Bank and 1.8L Hydration Pack 

The Ivation backpack and hydration pack is made from sport quality weather proof PVC fabric and this guarantees top performance and reliability and makes it easily to our list of best solar backpacks.

The backpack weighs less than 3 lb. overall.  The 10,000 mAh battery pack has a 5V USB output which can power devices with upto 2Amps of current. This means you will be able to charge most smartphones and even tablets easily.

The backpack has solar panels and a battery pack which pack quite a punch. However, the same cant be said of the backpack. At jut 6 by 1 by 6 inches this will just be ok to fit your mobile accessories and maybe a notebook. The Hydration pack is a big bonus and can store upto 1.8 litres.

ECEEN Solar Bag with 7 watt panel and 10,000 mAh Battery 

This is the ECEEN solar backpack work horse and has pride of place in our list of best solar backpacks. It is light, durable, roomy and has good power making it an excellent choice for everyday use.

It is made of lightweight and water resistant material. The solar panel is flexible as well as scratch resistant. The included 10,000 mAh battery will charge your phone back to full 2-3 times.

Dual outputs on the battery pack of 1A and 2A for charging your phone or tablet. Panels can power charge  a normal phone upto a full charge in three hours under direct sunlight.

The main compartment is larger and can easily fit a  17-inch laptop in the main pocket. Its handy for your laptop/notebook, iPad, books, gadgets, keys etc. Its comfortable and adjustable mesh straps means you will hardly notice this backpack on your back. Tons of pockets and compartments for all your needs.

About Hydration Packs

Solar backpacks that include hydration packs are the ultimate convenience. These include everything you want for a day trip, hiking or just walking around in the city. A Hydration Pack, solar charging, battery pack and a comfortable backpack are a great idea, but it needs some care as well.

It is a good idea to wash out your hydration bladder several times before using it. Fill it with water and let it drain through the tubing 4 to 5 times at least. If not, the water will have a icky taste to it.  And thereafter keep cleaning it once a month at least or your  your tubing and bladder will get gunky and dirty. The bladders must be completely during storage or you will be in a mold of hurt.

 A Solar Backpack Story : Kenya

Solar backpack helps Kenyan children get rid of dangerous kerosene lamps

A solar backpack and light improving childrens lives in Kenya –  image courtesy CBC

Salima Visram the 23 year old entrepreneur behind Soular Backpack was born on the outskirts of Mombasa, Kenya and is no stranger to poverty. The image of thousands of young children studying at night using toxic kerosene lamps stayed with her.  After moving to Montreal to study at McGill University she decided to do something about it.

She launched Soular, a solar backpack company that made special backpacks equipped with solar panels and a portable lamp inside the backpack which is charged during the daytime and can be used at night.  Visram was inspired those children in Kenya who were unable to study every day to get into secondary school, thus perpetuating the vicious cycle of poverty. Now her innovative solution allows families to move away from the toxic and carcinogenic effects of kerosene lamps and helps children have 4 to 5 hours of steady light for study every day.

Promoted by Disney and Lupita Nyong’o

Visaram had help from Academy Award-winning actress Lupita Nyong’o and Disney to publicize the Solar Backpack. In the Disney move Queen of Katwe, the main protagonist a young Ugandan girl playing competitive chess had only kerosene lamps at  her home. Lupita Nyong’o coined the slogan on the Solar Backpacks :  “The power is in your step.”

One plus one program for kids in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania

Visram is now making her solar backpack in Kenya, and her program gives a free backpack to a child Kenya, Uganda or Tanzania for every Solar Backpack purchased on her website. Each backpack bears Nyong’o quote the backpack itself: “The power is in your step.”